- HFE hereditary haemochromatosis
- Interviews
bryanbrough's interview
How did all start?
Born with the condition
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I was aged 56 when a routine blood test showed unusual results for liver function and iron overload
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Seeing a consultant heamatologist
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
regular venesection [blood letting]
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Becoming and then remaining a blood donor.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
No
What things have you stopped doing?
Eating certain foods known to be high in iron
What do you think about the future?
I do not like knowing that my condition might shorten my normal life span
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
my 20s and 30 - I travelled a great deal
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Live a normal carefree life and not be tied down by regular blood tests, reviews and venesections
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
An active life coping with difficulty and carrying on despite the probe,s my condition has created.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
To take the treatment that is offered and not give up.
